President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said his government is committed to respecting the autonomy and authority of the Supreme Court as he highlighted strengthening the country’s democratic processes.

“This Administration is committed to respecting the autonomy and authority of the Supreme Court as it discharges its constitutional duty to interpret the highest law of the land,” President Marcos said during the ceremonial signing of the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act in Malacañan Palace.

“This commitment thus calls on us to stay true to our Constitution, to champion integrity and fairness, and implement laws with prudence and foresight.”

According to the President, democracy works by respecting the role each branch of government plays, while exercising the duty to ensure that no branch acts beyond what the Constitution allows.

Through the signing of the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act, the Chief Executive said the government is putting safeguards in place for the judiciary to work more efficiently and independently.

The law further strengthens the commitment of the executive branch of government to work alongside the judiciary as a co-equal branch in the government.

Under the new law, the proposed budget of the judiciary will go straight to Congress and be included in the national budget exactly as submitted. Funds will be released to the judiciary automatically every month.

The Chief Justice is also authorized to augment any budget item and modify, through a resolution by the entire Supreme Court, the allotment of funds to where they are most needed, such as to hiring additional personnel, repairing courtrooms, or advancing court systems.

For transparency and accountability, the Supreme Court will report quarterly to the executive and legislative branches how the funds were judiciously spent.

A Judiciary Trust Fund will be established so the courts can tap their collected funds to address urgent needs.

This way, the Supreme Court can reorganize its offices, hire staff faster, and bring services closer to the people by decentralizing operations.

The President conveyed his gratitude to Congress for passing the law, which he said will be vital in building a more progressive Bagong Pilipinas where the people’s rights remain secure and every Filipino lives with peace, dignity, and pride. | PND